Decoded Radio presents Resonance Records with Max Chapman + Interview

Max Chapman is a guy that needs little introduction. His infectious attitude towards life and music is nothing, but inspirational. A true leader and someone who imagination breathes fresh air into the music industry every single day. Max burst onto the scene 6 years ago and his growing legacy is as consistent as ever.

Max’s label Resonance Records has also left a lasting mark on the underground which is set to inspire generations to come and the brand is now well and truly established as one of the best the underground has to offer. We had the amazing opportunity of grabbing a few words with the legendary producer and we have an incredible exclusive mix from the passionate artist.

Hi Max, thank you very much for taking the time to chat with us today, it’s an honour! How’s it going?

My pleasure! Things are very good – I just had a weekend featuring two headline shows in Spain which both sold out to my surprise, so I’m feeling pretty blessed at the moment.

Let’s start by talking a bit about the label. A real standout point of your label for me is the incredible artwork! Can you tell us a bit more about it? Who is your go to person and what is it about their style of art that you love most?

Yes, so our artwork is done by a wonderful lady called Kate Philipson AKA Leopards Lunch. She is a very good friend of my mine and I have always loved her work. One day, I just thought why have I not asked her to do our artwork? And the rest is history. It’s a very unique and original style – the aim was always to make Resonance releases stand out both through the music and visually, so hopefully we’ve achieved that. You can find her on Instagram here @leopardslunch

I personally believe the artwork of any release is absolutely integral, being the first thing most people see. Do you agree?

Of course, you need something that people are going to remember you by and for us the artwork is it! People have such short attention spans online so when they’re scrolling through Beatport it’s the artwork that stands out and makes people check out a release they’ve never heard of.

I have heard rumours of a huge VA coming out next month on Resonance. Can you tell us a bit about it?

That’s correct, we have 11 tracks from some very established artists and also some up-and- coming talent. VA releases are a great way to sum up the label so hopefully it gives people a broader idea of what Resonance is all about – I’ve put together a taster of the tracks on the Decoded Radio mix.

You recently returned for a 3rd time to Twisted Fusion with your first full EP release on there. What’s it like working with the guys at Twisted Fusion?

Joey is a good friend of mine and only lives up the road so it’s about time I did an EP for him! It’s actually been on the cards for about a year now! I know people say working with mates can be a bit of a nightmare sometimes, but in this industry it’s a positive thing I think – we’ve both been really excited about the release and to see it charting is obviously a great result.

Truth Be Told are absolutely smashing the scene to pieces at the moment and are set to be the next big thing in the industry in my opinion. What do you think it is about these guys that really makes them stand out?

I agree, they are so underrated and if they keep doing what they are doing its inevitable that they will smash the scene to smithereens. Their production is so tight, and their drums are even tighter – throw in the fact that every bassline they put out is a proper club crusher and it’s easy to see why people are sitting up and taking notice.

Are there any other fledgling producers on your radar that we should be paying attention to?

There’s so much new and exciting talent around at the moment, but I’m loving Josh Gregg and Glen Coombs – definitely keep an eye on those guys.

Your debut on the incredible Hot Creations is just around the corner! You must be excited? What does that moment mean to you?

Yes I’m so excited – it’s been something that I’ve wanted since they day I found out about Hot Creations. This is what I’ve been working towards for the last five years, so now I’m actually having to sit back and work out what my next goal will be because I have well and truly achieved mine!

Your remix of the legendary ‘Back Once Again’ is also doing the rounds at the moment. How has the reception been for that?

I knew it would be a tough track to do justice because it’s such an iconic vocal, but it’s been going down well. I’m up against an amazing edit by Leon and Shaf Huse at the moment with the same vocal though! If you get it, send it to me because it’s a banger! Haha

Let’s talk a bit about your summer so far. How has it been? Any gigs in particular that have been most enjoyable for you?

If there was one single message you could send through your music, what would that message be?

World Peace.

Let’s get a little political. What are your thoughts on the impact of ‘Brexit’ on the future stars of the underground? Do you think it may be a hurdle to some?

Personally, I think it’s a stupid move and I can’t see how it’s going to be an advantage in any way, shape or form. So far, the only thing it seems to be good for is watches, as my watch has gone up in value 15%! But I don’t think anyone really knows how it will affect our industry, hopefully the effect will be minimal – fingers crossed anyway.

Do you think it is a duty of major artists to promote the message of love and acceptance?

Yes I really do! I love Facebook for that! It is a great platform and used in so many great ways by our peers to spread love and unity, although I do hate it for the amount of shit that is posted around sometimes. Mainly good things though!

And last, but not least. What would your message to an aspiring producer be?

Lock yourself inside the studio and don’t come out! This scene isn’t made from DJs anymore, it’s made from producers so get clocking those hours up on Ableton!

Thank you very much for you time today Max, it was an absolute pleasure! All the best.

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About the author

As a producer himself, signed to some of the UK’s top Techno & Tech House labels, including Baroque, Under No Illusion and Pro-B-Tech, Danny, better known as Ferher is no stranger to the underground. He has DJ’d at some of the best venues in the UK and is eager to share his passion for house music with everyone.